Craig Daily Press / Business

Business Beat: Tax season is underway

With forms like W-2s and 1099s firmly in hand by now to be furnished to the Internal Revenue Service for the 2011 tax year, it’s time to get started on the annual task. But, before you lick the envelope or click the “submit” button on the electronic version of your 1040, be sure you have all the information you need. Changes in 2011’s tax process includes a two-percent decrease in Social Security deductions in paychecks, the abolishment of the Making Work Pay credit and an extra two days to file. “April 15 falls on a Sunday this year, and the next day is Emancipation Day in Washington, D.C., so the IRS will be closed that day, so the deadline is April 17,” said Chris Jones, an accountant at Jones & Associates, Inc. “Actually, it’s almost like we have an extra three days since it’s a Leap Year.”

Moffat County Tourism Association Board takes action at Wednesday meeting

The Moffat County Tourism Association Board took action on several agenda items during its regular meeting Wednesday.

Business Beat: Area auto dealer joins manufacturer sales effort

The icy months of January and February may give some vehicle owners cause to consider purchasing a new car better suited to winter conditions. The problem is that it may not be the best time financially for some people. But, kicking the tires in certain car lots may result in better savings than you’d think. Cook Chevrolet and Subaru is participating in the Factory Challenge, a sales drive designed to increase numbers in dealerships at the beginning of the year, running throughout February. Owner Scott Cook said the quota for the challenge is 150 units between the dealerships he owns in Craig and Steamboat Springs, which applies to both new and used vehicles.

Colorado Geological Survey unveils web tool for understanding Niobrara

The Colorado Geological Survey, a branch of the state Department of Natural Resources, unveiled Jan. 26 a web tool to help the public visualize geologic conditions in the Niobrara Formation. The Niobrara is the focus of oil and natural gas development and production through the use of horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing. Citizens around the state have been seeking a better understanding of how ground water supplies are protected amid energy development and the geologic conditions that separate ground water from the oil and natural gas deposits in the Niobrara.

Business Beat: Dance studio owner to return to teaching

For someone trained in the art of movement, staying in one place can be torture. But, one of the best known members of the Craig dance community will be returning to do what she loves best. Jeni Giedd, owner of Just Dance, 500 Yampa Ave., steps back into the role of dance instructor starting today following a lengthy maternity leave. Giedd, who has taught dance in Craig for five years at multiple locations, gave birth to her son, Kasen, in November. After participating in and studying dance her whole life, Giedd said she played a smaller role in her dance classes in the months leading up to motherhood.

Craig Chamber director graduates from leadership program

After the New Year, Christina Oxley, Craig Chamber of Commerce executive director, took a trip to Tucson, Ariz., with her husband, Kevin, and newborn baby girl, Kaliyah. But, it wasn’t to introduce the six-week-old to family or for vacation. Rather, Oxley was at Marriot University Park to take part in a graduation ceremony from the Institute of Organization Management, a leadership and training program sponsored by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “The program was originally touted as the best professional development opportunity for Chamber or association executives,” Oxley said. “I attended the first year and found that all of the hype was very well-deserved."

Business Beat: Clothing store ends run in Craig

Sharyn’s Upscale Consignment Boutique, 29 W. Victory Way, recently closed its doors. The clothing outlet, which offered shoppers the chance to trade old apparel for new, had its last day of business Jan. 11. “It’s kind of a bittersweet thing,” owner Sharon Martin said. “I’ve really loved this and my customers, all the laughter.” Martin first opened Sharyn’s — featuring a quirky twist on her name in the title — in spring 2010. She said she has been splitting her time between the store and Jones Trucking, the business run by her husband.

Craig Chamber of Commerce preparing for U.S. accreditation

The Craig Chamber of Commerce voted Thursday in favor of going through a national certification process few other organizations in the state have successfully completed. In March, August and December of each calendar year, the United States Chamber of Commerce accepts applications for national accreditation. It is the only program in the country that defines a standard of excellence in chamber planning and recognizes chambers for outstanding contributions toward positive change in their communities. The purpose of the U.S. Chamber’s Accreditation Program is to facilitate continuing excellence in the chamber industry and to foster a pro-business environment across America.

Moffat County Commission approves December 2011 mineral sale

On Jan. 4, Moffat County officials recorded bids from the December 2011 mineral lease sale that netted $152,080.64 for the Museum of Northwest Colorado and $158,984.10 for Moffat County. A week later, Jeff Comstock, Moffat County’s natural resources director, and Dan Davidson, Museum of Northwest Colorado director, appeared before the Moffat County Commission and recommended the board approve results from the sale. The commission did so by a 3-0 vote Wednesday.

Business Beat: Company to continue local acquisition’s high standards

Craig’s latest addition to the business community isn’t so much a new face as a familiar one with a new name. Northwest Weed Management Inc., 1581 A St., is now part of the industrial herbicide company Chemical Weed Control. The company was originally founded in 1999 by Chad Running, who passed away in September when he drowned during a camping trip. Running’s widow, Lynnette, completed the deal with Chemical Weed Control owner Donnie Wilson Thursday.

YVEDC attracts top officials for economic discussion

The Yampa Valley Economic Development Council Wednes- day night played host to more than 80 residents, elected officials and business representatives from Moffat, Routt and Rio Blanco counties. The group packed the Moffat County Fairgrounds Pavilion to hear two of Colorado’s top officials lead a discussion on Gov. John Hickenlooper’s Colorado Blueprint and the services available to rural communities for economic development. Reeves Brown, executive director of the Department of Local Affairs, believes Colorado is on the cusp of some serious and exciting economic changes under the Hickenlooper administration.

Mineral lease auction yields funds for Moffat County, museum

On Dec. 13, the Moffat County Commission unanimously approved conducting its third mineral lease auction. Up for grabs were 32 tracts encompassing 444 mineral acres owned by the Museum of Northwest Colorado, plus an additional 200 acres divided into two parcels owned by Moffat County. On Wednesday, county officials released results of the sealed bid auction, in which all 34 tracts were leased — netting more than $152,000 and $158,000 for the museum and county, respectively.

Rig Count for Dec. 31, 2011

A count on oil and natural gas rigs, as of Dec. 29, operating in Colorado, Wyoming and the U.S. overall, according to Baker Hughes, Inc., a Houston-based energy consulting company:

Local fuel gauge for Dec. 31, 2011

Regular unleaded and diesel prices as of Friday afternoon. Craig: • Loaf ‘N Jug, 2441 W. Victory Way Unleaded: $3.49; Diesel: $3.84

YVEDC to hold economic development discussion

State Sen. Jean White, R-Hayden, is among a list of featured speakers scheduled to be in Craig Wednesday night to provide residents with a regional economic update. The event is sponsored by the Yampa Valley Economic Development Council and will also feature discussions led by Ken Lund, executive director of the Office of Economic Development and International Trade; and Reeves Brown, executive director of the Department of Local Affairs. Among the topics of conversation to be covered by Lund and Brown are reorganization efforts for OEDIT’s regional services and how the partnership between OEDIT and DOLA will strengthen rural Colorado economies at the local level. However, the highlight of the evening is expected to be White’s talk on “clean up” legislation she has penned in regards to federal mineral lease districts.